Question about mounting optics (high-end vs average)

[delwyn]

I'm buying my first scope and was just curious whether going with a high end mounting system is worth the extra money. The scope I'm interested in is:
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-strike-eagle-1-6x24-riflescope-ar-bdc-reticle

It's going to be mounted on an AR. Two of the mounting apparatuses I've looked at are:

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-precision-extended-cantilever-mount-30mm-riflescope ($299 CA)

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/cantilever-ring-mount-for-30mm-riflescope-tube-2-inch-offset ($149 CA)

One is basically double the price but I'm having trouble figuring out why. From what a person at one of the stores told me the precision version is made more precise and that it seats the optic better. They suggested that using the cheaper one could damage scopes because pressure is applied to the optic unevenly.

It seems strange though that Vortex would build a product that could potentially damage a scope because it's made that cheaply.

FYI: one of my goals is to buy a mount that raises the optic off the rail system (which is flat) and preferrably a one-piece that's easy to put off and on without having to go through significant zeroing each time.

Help and advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[Grawfr]

This is the same scope you're looking at, mounted on La Contessa Luigina, my Cx4, using the CM-202 Vortex mount. The rail to scope centreline height is 1 1/2".

The store salesman was selling you snake oil. The "precision" CM-403 mount is costlier because it's a quick-detach mount. The CM-202 has 4 torx screws.

 

[delwyn]

Thanks Grawfr; appreciate the feedback.

As I was hunting around today I found the original mounting system I wanted at a Canadian dealer:
https://www.americandefensemanufacturing.com/view/product/5/

I think I'll take a chance on this. The quick detach is a nice option; mostly, I just wanted to confirm whether a bad (cheap) mounting system could potentially damage your scope by not being perfectly cylindrical (more pressure on certain parts of the scope as your tightening the scope onto the mount). I'm also somewhat sensitive about accidently damaging the rail system (scratches, indentations or other marks made by the mounting bracket on either the gun or scope).

Delwyn

 

[Grawfr]

The scope is made of an aluminum tube... I doubt you can clamp the mount so tight that the pressure will deform that tube, unless perhaps that mount was made in Pakistan's tribal areas and not actually round at all or of the wrong diameter.

As for the Picatiny rail, I wouldn't worry too much. You're not going to be able to scratch it so bad it won't work anymore. Remember what uses the AR was meant for? War? Yours will just be used outdoors, lovingly protected during transportation, occasionally banged on trees, dropped on the hard ground and perhaps even used to bop bears on the snout as a last defense resort. It's made tough. Unless you bought a Norinco.

 

[delwyn]

Definitely didn't buy a Norinco!

I'm just really cautious about firearms. I like to keep them in pristine condition -- no marks, no scratches. They get cleaned after every use. I'm more of a hobby collector than a shooter (as my wife will attest to... she's a darn good shot and I can't hit the broad side of an bovine -- not that anyone would shoot at a cow). I've seen people accidently put screw marks on their barrels and rails (usually because of cheap mounts or flash suppressors).

I went with the American Defence mount which seems pretty reasonable.

I think you're right though... can't imagine the tube would be "easy" to physically damage by over-torquing -- unless you use a air compressor torque meant for cars. :-|